Statewide Tornado Drill – 1pm EST, April 19, 2017

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Statewide Tornado Drill – 1pm EST, April 19, 2017

Category : Severe Weather

Statewide Tornado Drill

Save the Date: 2017 Statewide Tornado Drill

(Source: MSP)
With Michigan’s 2017 Severe Weather Awareness Week scheduled from April 16-22, local and state emergency management officials are asking Michiganders to take action to prepare by participating in a statewide tornado drill at 1:00 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Government agencies, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to be a part of this statewide preparedness activity, but are not required to do so. Nearly all state of Michigan facilities will be participating.

While tornadoes can occur during any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months. As one of nature’s most violent storms, they can devastate homes and property in just seconds.

The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means citizens need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued. By taking a few extra steps and participating in the statewide tornado drill, citizens and businesses will be ready well in advance if a tornado ever occurs.

In the event of severe weather, the statewide tornado drill will be postponed until 1:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 20, 2017.

To learn more about tornado safety, read the Tornado Safety Packet

About Severe Weather Awareness Week

Severe Weather Awareness Week is sponsored by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (MCSWA) to educate the public about the dangers of tornadoes and other severe weather events, including the precautions that can be taken to save lives and protect families. The MCSWA was formed in 1991 to encourage Michigan residents to be prepared in the event of severe weather. To learn more about the committee, go to www.mcswa.com.

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